Jubilation in Hillcrest over court ruling

Supporters of same-sex marriage take their photo in front of a rainbow flag on University Avenue in Hillcrest on Wednesday evening as part of celebrations stemming from the U.S. Supreme Court's rulings on Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act.
— K.C. Alfred

Supporters of same-sex marriage take their photo in front of a rainbow flag on University Avenue in Hillcrest on Wednesday evening as part of celebrations stemming from the U.S. Supreme Court's rulings on Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act.
— K.C. Alfred

More than a thousand people gathered in Hillcrest on Wednesday evening to celebrate the Supreme Court’s rulings striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act and paving the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California. They marked the occasion with a march, speeches, champagne, cake and hugs.

Cheers erupted about 5 p.m. as a dozen people carried a large rainbow-colored flag to the first of two gatherings. The crowd chanted slogans, including “the power of the people don’t stop,” and heard from several speakers praising the high court’s watershed decisions.

“The human family has worked hard for this day, but the fight isn’t over,” said the Rev. Gerald Green from Unity Fellowship Church in Hillcrest. “The race is not given to those who are swift and strong, but those who endure.”

Many of those in attendance wore costumes or colorful garb. They carried signs with phrases such as “DOMA IS OVA” and “DOMA Gone, Prop. 8 Gone, World Still Turns: Next Step, Marrying My Partner.”

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The latter was carried by Sarah Capshaw, who plans to tie the knot with partner Connie Terrell, a member of the Coast Guard, next year. “It means we are going to get a lot (federal) benefits that will help our family,” said Capshaw, 30. “It’s awesome to know we are going to be protected.”

Capshaw and Terrell have two children, including 10-year-old Tyson, who carried a sign that echoed what many said was the primary reason for their joy over the high court’s rulings.

“My Family Matters,” the sign read.

Nearby, 27-year-old Joey Sago carried a sign proclaiming, “Out of the closet and into a wedding dress.”

“I’ve been working for this my whole life,” he said. But he sheepishly admitted that wedding bells for him are a ways off. “I have to start dating first,” he said, bursting into laughter.

Light-hearted and happy was the theme for all, including Cat Ortiz from the Unitarian Universalist Church in Hillcrest.

“I’m straight, but I just believe that if any of us doesn’t have justice, none of us do,” she said.

Other celebrants included Sister Raven Lunatic, a member of the group Sisters for Perpetual Indulgence, which provides ministry and support services to the gay, lesbian and transgender community.

Wearing a long black dress, a feather boa and a fully painted face, Sister Raven Lunatic said the group -- formed 34 years ago in San Francisco – established a firm presence in San Diego about seven years ago. “We’re here to help everybody,” she said.

The high court’s decision on Proposition 8 might lead to wedding bells for her. “I’ve been with my partner for 11 years and he’s asked me to marry him twice. I told him not until it’s legal. Hopefully, he’ll ask me again.”

Also in the crowd was former San Diego City Councilman and 52nd Congressional District candidate Carl DeMaio, who called the court’s rulings tremendous news for the gay and lesbian community.

“In California, we have equality now and that’s a great thing to see,” he said. “Now, we need to see that happen across the nation.”

Sheree Pettit, who has lived in Hillcrest for 17 years, came to the rally to cheer on people she said have been the best neighbors possible.

“I’m so happy for them,” she said. “I’m a supporter, and I can remember when it wasn’t chic to hang out with this crowd. They’re such wonderful people – I’m from the ’70s and it’s fun to get behind this cause.”

Many at the event predicted that this year’s San Diego Pride parade and festival – scheduled for July 12-14 -- will draw upward of a million people and be the biggest turnout in the event’s history.

Shortly after 7 p.m., the festivities continued in a balloon-adorned hall at the nearby San Diego LGBT Community Center.

The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus sang “Celebrate” as a jubilant crowd toasted with champagne and ate white wedding cake. Guests joined in some of the singing, particularly when the chorus got to the piece “We Shall Overcome.” Many in the audience shed tears and cheered or whistled.

Delores Jacobs, the center’s CEO, spoke first. She said the court’s ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act means gay and lesbian families will enjoy equal protection under the law.

California State Assembly Majority Leader Toni Atkins said it was “a great day for love and equality.”

“It has been a long five years since our right to marry was taken away from us,” she said, adding she and her partner were able to marry during the six months that same-sex weddings were legal in California.

San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria opened his remarks by saying, “Don’t it feel great to be equal?”

He then thanked the Supreme Court justices who ruled against Proposition 8 and the federal marriage act.

“The city of San Diego will continue to lead on this issue,” Gloria said, adding that he will work to have all of San Diego’s municipal policies updated to reflect the rulings.

Kevin Keenan, executive director for the San Diego American Civil Liberties Union, led the celebrants in the old-fashioned cheer of “Hip, Hip, Hooray.”

“The most important thing is what my 7-year-old told me on the way over here,” Keenan said. “He told me that when he grows up, he can marry anyone he wants to.”

He also called for a state-by-state campaign to make same-sex marriage legal throughout the country.